



Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)
Tell powerful conservation stories with your camera.
Course overview
With Cornwall’s landscape as your studio, on this Marine & Natural History Photography degree you’ll explore terrestrial and marine environments through still and moving imagery. Working with some of the best photographic equipment of any UK university, and backed by scientific and environmental knowledge, you’ll learn to tell powerful conservation stories with your camera.
You will:
- Take part in regular photography field trips
- Have the option to learn professional underwater photography
- Take your skills to the industry through work placements with big brands and studios, which form a key part of the second year
- Be supported by staff who are global practitioners in photography, filmmaking, art, science and exploration
- Build technical expertise using our cutting-edge photographic equipment, as well as studios, post-production suites and dark rooms
- Follow in the footsteps of former students who’ve travelled to the likes of the Ecuadorian rainforest and Norwegian glaciers to produce their Major Project
- Become part of an alumni community that’s worked with companies including the BBC and Netflix as well as developing successful independent ventures.
Lead images by James Welch, Rita Hencke, Tom Critchley and Chloe Russell.
Course details
On this Marine & Natural History Photography degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BA(Hons) degree over three years or the option to study Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) with an Integrated Foundation Year and/or professional placement.
Blending professional practice with theoretical knowledge, this environmental photography course will help you develop the critical understanding essential for your future career. You'll also have the chance to gain real-world experience during and after your studies through our relationships with agencies and conservation trusts.
You'll practice photographic skills alongside research and critical thinking. During this year, you'll explore biodiversity and habitat, as well as the marine environment, and will participate in a number of local field trips to land and marine environments.
Modules
Developing Practice
In your first module, you'll be introduced to basic photography skills and camera techniques.
Research and Critical Thinking
Establishing research and critical thinking skills, you’ll learn how to generate ideas, understand the impact of photography and improve your writing.
Biodiversity and Habitat
In this module, you’ll study and photograph the intricate web of life in a local habitat.
Exploring Practice: Land or Underwater
For this module there are two options. You can explore further photographic skills on land or practice them in an underwater environment.
To qualify for the underwater photography option, you must have achieved the PADI Rescue diver qualification (or equivalent ie. BSAC Sport diver) by the start of the academic year.
Communicating Nature
Through lectures and live examples, you’ll learn to communicate scientific ideas through text and photographic sequence.
The Marine Environment
You will explore and photograph the seashore right on our doorstep and learn about important ocean issues.
Alongside studying moving image and still photography, you'll develop your research and critical thinking skills, explore global conservation, and get ready for your own research project. You will also get the opportunity to undertake a short period of work experience.
Modules
Extending Practice: Land or Underwater
Choosing between the Land or Underwater option for this module, you’ll practice advanced techniques through the development of an independent project.
To choose the Underwater option, you must have completed the Exploring Practice: Underwater module in your first year.
Introduction to Filmmaking
Through the process of producing a collaborative short film, you’ll learn how nature and environmental films are made.
Conservation Stories
Examine conservation issues and learn how visual media can have a huge impact.
Photography of the Natural World
In this module, you’ll learn how photographers use images to make a positive difference and produce your own portfolio.
Independent Filmmaking Practice
Working independently, you’ll create and produce your own short film about people and planet.
Work Experience
You will spend a short period of time undertaking work experience in a relevant professional context.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your placement, with support from course lecturers.
You can choose to take an optional professional placement after your second year on a three-year programme, or after your third year if you’re studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year.
You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the Employability team.
Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying.
How you’ll study during your professional placement
You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks.
You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation.
Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth.
In your final year, you’ll create your Major Project using still or moving images, or a combination of both. You will support this with an extensive piece of writing about the subject of your project, along with a career plan to help you move into your chosen area of the industry.
Modules
Project Development
You’ll research and begin to develop a major project using still or moving image.
Culture and the Environment
You’ll research and write an extended essay on the subject of your major project.
Major Project
This module marks the culmination of your studies. You’ll complete your Major Project and produce a professional portfolio ready to take into industry.
Professional and Entrepreneurial Practice
With support from lecturers, you’ll develop a clear plan showing how you intend to move into your chosen area of the industry after graduating.
Why study an Integrated Foundation Year route?
If you’re taking on a new subject that you haven’t studied in depth before, have been out of education for a while or have a non-standard educational background then an Integrated Foundation Year degree may be the right choice for you. It is a four-year degree with an Integrated Foundation Year to start, which allows you to explore the primary elements of your subject before progressing on to the remaining three years of the BA(Hons) degree.
What you'll study in your Foundation year
If you choose this pathway, you'll study five core modules in your Foundation year. These are all designed to help you explore the foundational elements of your subject. You'll gain relevant technical skills, learn to experiment and take risks, develop an understanding of professional practice, have opportunities to work across disciplines and collaborate with other students on live project briefs.
Modules
Explore
You'll begin your foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. You'll take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.
Technique
You'll take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. You'll also enhance your analytical and organisational abilities.
Apply
You'll work with your peer group to think beyond discipline by addressing a societal or global issue. You'll then showcase your work to your peers and deliver and accompanying evaluation of your process.
Industry
You'll enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. You'll also gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.
Launch
You'll develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project will be the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work you have created.
After the Foundation year, you progress into Year One of the full three-year degree, equipped with a deeper knowledge of your subject, a clear understanding of your strengths, and develop a practical and technical skillset and the confidence to excel in your chosen subject.
If you apply for and enrol onto a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year, you’ll have the option to switch onto a five-year version including a placement year. That means you’ll complete the first three years of your course before completing a placement in industry in your fourth year and returning to Falmouth for the fifth year of your programme.
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2023 and subject to validation.
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details:

Bajo Girl by Rita Hencke
What our students do
As a student on this Marine & Natural History Photography degree, you'll have the opportunity to join international expeditions. Previous expeditions have included the Red Sea and the Galapagos Islands.
Make sure to take a look at our full showcase below to see what our students have been up to lately.
How you'll learn & be assessed
You’ll learn through field trips, photographic and scientific excursions, technical workshops, lectures, seminar, and tutorials.
The Marine and Natural History Photography course includes an optional underwater programme. In addition to diving in Cornish waters, those undertake this option have the opportunity to practice their skills in the Red Sea.
In the final year of the course students pursue an independent major project. This can use either stills or moving image, or a combination of both, to tell stories from anywhere on the planet.
Students have previously created projects that have documented climate change in Norwegian glaciers, conducted research in the Ecuadorian rainforest, filmed conservation work in the Amazon, and told the story of the indigenous fishing community of the Bajo.
At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here.
100% of your assessment will be coursework.
Assessment methods
- Foundation year assessments are 100% coursework based
- Practice-based modules will be assessed on the presentation of portfolios, including preparatory work.
- Critical studies modules will be assessed on written assignments or presentations.
- In the final year, you’ll be assessed on your major independent project which is supported by an extended piece of contextual writing and a professional portfolio.
- Feedback is given throughout the modules to help you improve your work.

Image by: Jack Mifflin

" Working with Sir David Attenborough in the field has been my biggest goal since I set out on this path. "
Facilities
- Multiple studios, darkrooms and print suites
- Photography store containing a wide range of professional equipment free to loan.
- Macro and long lenses, macro flash, infrared triggers and time-lapse and underwater cameras
- Specialist underwater cameras for students qualified to dive
- Digital suite with Adobe software
- Photo-microscopy laboratory
- Digital and traditional processing facilities
- Walled garden with fully equipped hide for nature study, photography and filming

Photography Facilities
Housing dark rooms, post-production suites, full professional studios and gallery, our Institute of ...

Library Facilities
Offering extensive collections, our two libraries provide a wealth of digital resources, magazines, ...

Sports Centre
Our Sports Centre, on Penryn Campus, includes a spacious gym with up to 90 of the latest, new statio...

Image by: Nick Jarvis

Image by: Arnie Monteith

Image by: Bijay Gurung
Staff
You’ll be guided and supported by practising photographers, scientists and explorers. Their careers span working and exhibiting photographs internationally, producing wildlife films and leading expeditions.

Dr Daro Montag
Associate Professor of Art & Environment
Daro Montag's art practice has, for over thirty years, been involved with environmental and ecologic...

Dr Huw Lewis-Jones
Associate Professor of Environment and Culture
Dr Huw Lewis-Jones is an environmental historian and expedition leader. Huw ...

Gina Goodman
Lecturer, Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)
I am an award-winning underwater photographer, diving instructor, and enthusiastic lecturer with a d...

Jane Morgan
Dive Safety Officer and Dive Technician
Jane's career began as an IT trainer at News International in London. However, after discovering a p...

Justin Quinnell
Associate Lecturer Photography
Bristolian pinhole photographer and camera obscura creator who dabbles in other stuff. Been tea...

Helen Perkins
Dive Safety Officer
I graduated from Plymouth College of Art and Design in 2000 where I specialised in fine art landscap...

Dr Joanna Henley
Senior Lecturer
I am a marine educator with a PhD in the visual communication of marine science. I joined the M...

Dr Tim Cockerill
Senior Lecturer
Dr Tim Cockerill is a zoologist, broadcaster and photographer. Tim specialises in documenting a...

Anna Roberts
Senior Lecturer, Marine & Natural History Photography
Director/Producer with a breadth of experience in natural history and presenter-led formats, working...

Claire Braithwaite
Lecturer BA (Hons) Marine and Natural History Photography
Claire Braithwaite is an artist and photography educator with over 12 years experience teaching acro...

William Arnold
Lecturer, Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)
William Arnold currently teaches on BA Marine & Natural History Photography. He is an experim...

Mark Wallwork
Technician, The Institute of Photography
I studied a BTEC national diploma photography at Wigan and Leigh college in 2002 before enrolli...

Kate Bell
Photography Technician
I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan in 2007 with a First Degree Hons in BA Photography. During ...

Dr Andy Webster
Associate Lecturer, Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)
Andy is an artist and educator with over 20 years of experience teaching across HE settings. Andy wo...
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.
This course could be for you if...
- You have a passion for photography and the natural world.
- You want to build on your technical knowledge and skills.
- You've got good visual awareness.
- You want to research, write and analyse photographic subjects.
Stories from our community
Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights

Rewilding and Restoring the UK with WWF
21 April 2023
It's Earth Day 2023, and Falmouth's own Anna Roberts - Senior Lecturer on BA(Hons) Marine and Natura...

From Falmouth University to filming with Sir David Attenborough for Wild Isles
30 March 2023
Marine & Natural History Photography graduate Sam Stewart tells us about his globe-trotting work wit...

Image courtesy of Jenna Hinton and Emily Smith
Landscape art project aims to boost wellbeing and creative curiosity
09 March 2023
A Cornish ‘sand art’ master has coached a group of Falmouth University students through a projec...

Image: Adam Tidman
Photography students are preparing for the Red Sea exhibition
09 February 2023
Discover the work and experiences of student's who went on this year's Marine & Natural History Phot...

Falmouth filmmakers commissioned by the BBC to share stories of positivity
09 November 2022
Anna Roberts, senior lecturer on BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography, and a team of alumni...

Meet the graduate on a mission to clean up Cornwall’s coastline
04 August 2022
BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography graduate Henry Giltjes-Vincent is thrilled to be c...

Talking inspiration & inclusivity with graduate Abbi Hughes
21 June 2022
Lead image credit: Jack Johns Abbi Hughes graduated from Marine & Natural History Photography...

Meet the graduate exposing a global coffee crisis
26 August 2021
A new documentary by aspiring filmmaker and photographer Hedvika Michnova has exposed how the climat...

Photography Student Snaps Best in Show at the AOP Student Awards
27 July 2020
BA(Hons) Press and Editorial Photography graduate Elliot Caunce has received the Best in Show title ...

Filmmaking for Galapagos Conservation
19 March 2020
This collaboration enables staff and students to gain access to parts of the Galapagos Islands that ...

Alumni Winners in Cornwall’s 30 Under 30
09 March 2020
Cornwall’s 30 under 30 for 2020 have been announced. Congratulations to the Falmouth alumni who we...

Celebrating Rewilding in the Cairngorms
04 March 2020
Marine & Natural History Photography students have captured the awesome beauty of the rewilding ...

Student Win at Underwater Photographer of the Year
28 February 2020
Marine & Natural History Photography student Shannon Moran has won third place at this year's Un...

Role at Red Bull Kicks Off Graduate's Career
26 February 2020
Elliott Harrison graduated from Marine & Natural History Photography last summer, after a six mo...

Supporting Conservation Through Film
18 February 2020
In May 2019, Marine & Natural History Photography Associate Lecturer Neil Aldridge got the call ...

Students Commissioned to Film Galapagos Land Birds
23 June 2019
Diving with sharks, snorkelling with penguins, swimming with green sea turtles and eagle rays; these...

Students Praised During Final Year Show
31 May 2019
Third year Marine & Natural History Photography students have just celebrated their final year d...

Capturing the Red Sea
15 April 2019
“One of the best two weeks of my life”, said several second-year BA(Hons) Marine & Natural H...

Expeditions and Exhibitions: A Busy Life for Photography Graduate
02 April 2019
Since graduating from BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography in 2016, Chloe Russell has b...

Photography Student Published in BBC Wildlife Magazine
26 March 2019
Second year BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography student Pradyuman Samant is no strange...
Careers
Our graduates have worked as:
- Filming for BBC One Show
- On-line content for BBC Spring Watch
- International Oil Spill Reaction Team
- PA to Mike Gunton (BBC NHU Creative Director)
- Founder of the Heart of Borneo Project
- Wildlife Cameraman for BBC, Netflix, Nat Geo, Disney
- Researcher BBC NHU
- Tech Assistant at Silverback Films
- Researcher at Nature Picture Library
- Marketing Campaign Executive at National Trust
- Founder of Armstrong Fortescue Expeditions
- Filming Sir David Attenborough

Image credit: Sam Stewart

A degree in photography opens doors to a broad range of industries such as fashion, advertising, graphic design, web design, architecture, film and publishing.
How to apply
Ready to join us? You can apply for September 2023 through Clearing or for September 2024 through UCAS Apply and Track. You'll need to reference the course and University code (F33).
Course route | UCAS code |
---|---|
Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) three year degree | WF67 |
Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year | FY20 |
Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) with professional placement | PY37 |
We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.
Course route | Entry requirements |
---|---|
BA/BSc(Hons) three year degree | 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with professional placement | 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year | 80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
Check the title of your course to see if it's a BA or BSc award. UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
For starting your studies in 2023
UK applications: 25 January 2023 (for equal consideration)
Applications after the 25 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.
International fee payers
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Entry requirements for optional Underwater Photography module
- PADI Rescue diver or equivalent ex. BSAC Sport diver
- Medical clearance to dive.
For more information, click the button below:
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees
Annual tuition fee | Student |
---|---|
£9,250 per year | Full-time UK |
£17,460 per year | Full-time EU/international |
£1,850 per professional placement year | Full-Time UK and EU/international |
Annual tuition fee | Student |
---|---|
£9,250 per year | Full-time UK |
£17,950 per year | Full-time EU/international |
£1,850 per professional placement year | Full-Time UK and EU/international |
£1,385 per study abroad year | Full-Time UK and EU/international |
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Typical course costs
Recurring annual costs
- £100-£350 - Recurring annual costs (photographic materials, etc)
One-off costs for the duration of the course
If not already owned the following will be required:
-
£500-£1000 - A digital SLR camera of reasonable quality with manual over-ride to any automatic settings
-
£500- for a PC laptop or £1,200 for a MacBook
-
£300-£400 - Appropriate outdoor clothing (waterproofs, boots, backpack)
-
£100-£600 – Preparation of final portfolios or shows, etc)
Optional study trips
- £2000 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
- £250 for materials
- A laptop/desktop computer
- Adobe Creative Suite
To engage in the digital learning activity, although you will be able to access IT suites on campus, you will benefit from a laptop to access the platforms and tools we use. Depending on your subject, you may need a specific type of computer. If you're unsure about what you might need, please contact our course advisors.
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our student funding pages.
Ask a student
What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?
From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.
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